Is Rosemary an Evergreen?

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Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a member of the mint family and a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region. The herb is named from the Greek words “ros” and “maris,” which respectively mean “dew” and “sea” in reference to its natural maritime habitat. In addition to its culinary value, rosemary is an attractive landscaping plant. Whether you can enjoy fresh rosemary all year long depends on where you live.

Background

Historically, rosemary is associated with enhancing memory. Students in ancient Greece wore wreaths of rosemary while taking exams to improve mental performance and recall. Because rosemary is also reputed to ensure fidelity, it is traditional greenery in bridal bouquets. The herb is also associated with the Virgin Mary, who allegedly hid her infant son in a rosemary bush to escape detection from Herod’s soldiers while fleeing to Egypt. For this reason, rosemary is sometimes called Rose of Mary and included in Christmas floral displays in combination with other everlastings.

Growth Habit

Rosemary produces erect stalks with alternate needlelike leaves. The herb is highly aromatic, releasing a pinelike fragrance when brushed against. Rosemary thrives in hot sun, dry scrub and rocky crevices, and it is tolerant of coastal conditions. In North America, rosemary is grown as an annual in cooler climates. It is an evergreen, however, in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 8 and 9. It is also successfully cultivated as a perennial in USDA zone 10. In these regions, rosemary can become a small shrub reaching up to 6 feet in height with a spread of up to 4 feet.

Harvesting

If you grow rosemary for culinary purposes, you can harvest the leaves for as long new growth continues to appear and leaves stay green. Flavor is best, though, if the herb is harvested before flowering. Alternately, you can harvest the entire crop before the flowers open and dry or freeze the leaves for future use. If you grow rosemary as an ornamental, you can let the plant flower end enjoy the pretty lavender flowers in midsummer. You can also prune plants into attractive shapes or train as topiaries using support. If you wish to increase your supply, you can propagate more plants with cuttings.

Varieties

Other varieties of rosemary are evergreen in certain regions. "Spice Islands,” for example, is an evergreen shrub in USDA zones 8 through 10, reputedly named after the spice company of the same name. Other varieties grown as evergreens in these zones include "Arp" rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis "Arp"), “Salem” rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis "Salem") and “Well-Sweep Golden” rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis "Well-Sweep Golden").